Bahrain-based startup Lola secures $1.3 million in pre-seed funding to broaden its personalized cake ordering service in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Lola, a cake customization startup that's shaking up the industry, has raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed round. The funding round was led by Vision Ventures and Plus VC, with participation from strategic angel investors.
Founded by Othman Janahi in September 2023, Lola has made a name for itself by disrupting the women's health industry with its commitment to transparency in tampon ingredients. This focus on ingredient transparency forms a key part of Lola's unique selling proposition. As of July 2025, the startup is dedicated to building a better, more transparent product in women's health.
The investment has been met with excitement by Othman Janahi, Founder and CEO of Lola. He expressed his delight about the investment, praising the strategic insights and guidance from the investors.
The funds raised will be used to enhance Lola's platform, expand its team, optimize logistics, and accelerate its expansion across Saudi Arabia. The expansion will start with Jeddah and the Eastern Province.
Lola initially launched in Bahrain and later expanded to Riyadh in July 2024 and the UAE in December 2024. Customers can design their cakes on Lola's platform in under a minute, enjoying the unparalleled customization options that Lola offers.
Since its launch, Lola has grown its size and market share five times. The startup's continued success and active expansion efforts, as seen with "The SHOP at The LOLA" in Atlanta, suggest a focus on collaborative, inclusive environments for women. While specific details about recent funding rounds or future large-scale expansion plans were not found, Lola aims to set new industry standards and be the centerpiece of every celebration.
Lola, with its newly acquired funds, plans to utilize the technology to improve its platform, aiming for a smoother and more efficient user experience. Additionally, the startup intends to leverage finance to grow its team and optimize logistics, sustaining its committed expansion into technology-driven territories, starting with Jeddah and the Eastern Province.
